River Cottage Canteen & Deli Plymouth Opens and takes delivery of local produce transported down River Tamar by sail boat. The new River Cottage Canteen & Deli at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard opened yesterday, and true to its ethos of delivering fantastic food in a sustainable way, took delivery of local produce by boat.
Tamar Grow Local, SailTrade and River Cottage teamed up to trial the sustainable transportation of local produce at the launch of the new River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Plymouth for the launch.
A locally built ‘Yealm Crabber’ sailed down the River Tamar, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, with a trial amount of fresh vegetables and honey from local producers destined for new River Cottage Canteen, at Royal William Yard.
The boat carried sample potatoes, pumpkins, honey and Tamar Valley Apples for the Canteen to try. When it arrived at the harbour at Royal William Yard, Head Chef Joe Draper, and his chef team, took delivery of the produce for use in the Canteen.
“The boat trip, although a trial is historically how food used to be transported in the region. It’s a pilot to test if it works for River Cottage on this occasion, but the ambition is establish a more routine service once properly endorsed and certified to do so.” said Simon Platten from Tamar Grow Local. “We are very excited as this is another way Tamar Grow Local might help promote local producers in the area with one of the most important ethical food brands in the UK.”
Pictured – The Team at River Cottage
The boat is a traditionally rigged and locally built Yealm Crabber well suited to travel using the wind and tides. It will be skippered by Andy Whiteford of Sailtrade and his son Jim. “SailTrade is hoping to make an environmentally friendly and low carbon contribution to local supply networks,” said Andy. “We have been encouraged by the enthusiastic response to further develop the idea and are grateful for the support received, especially from Tamar Grow Local and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”
The new Canteen is based on the successful River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Axminster, which was originally set up by Hugh Fearnley – Whittingstall, campaigner, broadcaster and food writer, who’s River Cottage TV series, on Channel 4, captures the Nation’s interest in food provenance and sustainable living.
“River Cottage is committed to creating fantastic food that is seasonal, local, organic and wild. For the Canteen this is a fantastic way to source and transport local produce. We are really looking forward to working with Tamar Grow Local and SailTrade to create and transport great local food,” said Head Chef, Joe Draper.
“River Cottage support locally sourced produce and sustainable methods of transport wherever possible,” said River Cottage MD, Rob Love. “We are very interested in this project – it’s a great example of how River Cottage likes to get involved with the local food community.”
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall said: “We are very much looking forward to contributing the vibrancy of the local food community in Plymouth. The city and region have a strong market garden heritage and we have a great opportunity to source the best ingredients and create some fantastic food in a wonderful location.”
The Canteen is to open to the public from November 15.
To book go to: www.rivercottage.net/plymouth-bookings
or call 0 1 7 5 2 2 5 2 7 0 2
River Cottage Canteen & Deli Plymouth
No 1, Brewhouse,
Royal William Yard,
Plymouth PL1 3QQ.